Lebanon Golf Course Renamed Spring Hollow Golf; Council Approves Downtown Tax Levy, Moves Forward With Gravel Street Paving

LEBANON, Mo. — The Lebanon City Council approved a new name for the city-owned golf course, moved forward with plans to pave remaining gravel streets, approved new illuminated Route 66 street signs and set the Downtown Business District tax levy during its Monday, Aug. 10 meeting.

The council also tabled a proposed Fire Department software purchase until its next meeting and heard an update on upcoming discussions involving Flock cameras and the future operation of the Lebanon YMCA facility.

Lebanon Golf Course Becomes Spring Hollow Golf

The city’s golf course officially has a new name: Spring Hollow Golf.

Council members approved the recommendation of the Golf Course Advisory Board to rename the property, which the city purchased in September 2025.

Human Resource Director Kathy Milliken explained that the name has roots in Laclede County history. The area was known as Spring Hollow Township in the late 1800s, and references to the name remain in county records today.

The Golf Course Advisory Board unanimously recommended Spring Hollow Golf at its July 20 meeting.

During Monday’s discussion, council members also raised questions about marketing the new name and whether a name connected to Bennett Spring had been considered. The council ultimately approved Spring Hollow Golf, with the new name taking effect immediately.

Council Moves Forward With Paving Gravel Streets

Council members approved an amended resolution outlining the city’s intent to overlay existing gravel streets within Lebanon.

The city’s preliminary list includes portions of Frisco, High Street, Mayfield Street, East Street, Mizer, Fifth Street and an alley between Springfield Road and Clough, with an estimated total cost of approximately $167,000.

The proposal generated significant discussion about whether every section should be paved immediately.

Council members raised concerns about paving streets that could later need to be disturbed for sewer or stormwater improvements. East Street was specifically discussed because of existing stormwater concerns and reports of speeding in the area.

City Administrator Troy Schulte said an ordinance appropriating the necessary money from the city’s undesignated fund balance is expected to return to the council at its next meeting. The city is also facing higher costs on its existing street resurfacing program, with an approximately $700,000 estimate now expected to come in around $780,000 due to increased asphalt prices.

The amended resolution passed, allowing city staff to continue working through the individual street projects before final expenditures are approved.

Downtown Business District Tax Levy Approved

The council approved the 2026 Downtown Special Business District property tax levy at $0.6597 per $100 of assessed valuation.

The rate is up slightly from $0.6589 last year.

During the public hearing, city officials explained that the levy is calculated using a formula prescribed by the Missouri State Auditor’s Office and is affected by assessed valuation and provisions of the Hancock Amendment.

According to the city’s explanation, a property with $100,000 in assessed valuation would see an increase of approximately 80 cents compared with last year’s rate.

A downtown property owner also addressed the council about increasing assessments and the challenge of keeping rents reasonable and downtown buildings occupied.

Council members Jaret Scharnhorst and Mike Evans voted against the levy during its readings. The ordinance ultimately passed and became Ordinance 26-086.

The city’s separate General and Parks Fund tax levy was not considered Monday after the newspaper mistakenly published the previous year’s public hearing notice. Because the required seven-day public notice period was not met, that levy will return at the next meeting. City officials said the proposed General and Parks Fund levy will remain unchanged.

New Illuminated Route 66 Signs Approved

Council members approved the purchase of 28 illuminated street signs for signalized intersections along Route 66 that are controlled by the city.

The LED-backlit signs will include Route 66 branding and are intended to help distinguish and enhance the corridor, particularly at night.

The city received a lower bid of approximately $19,000, but staff said the bidder did not provide enough information to demonstrate that the proposed signs would meet the city’s specifications. The council instead approved a $45,040 proposal from Trastar, which city staff said met the required specifications.

The signs will be paid for through the city’s sign replacement operating budget.

The resolution passed with Scharnhorst voting no.

Electric Feeder Clearing Approved

The council approved the final year of an agreement for the Electric Department’s feeder clearing program.

The work will cover approximately 17.6 miles, including about 17 miles of overhead lines along with underground equipment areas.

The approved cost is approximately $463,850.

Electric Department officials told the council that crews have seen significant vegetation growth this year, including vines growing up utility poles.

Fire Department Software Purchase Tabled

A proposed purchase of new Fire Department reporting software was tabled until the council’s Aug. 24 meeting.

Council members wanted additional information about the cost of the new First Due system compared with the department’s existing software.

With Fire Chief Sam Schneider unavailable to answer those questions Monday, the council voted to delay action until he can provide additional details.

Cemetery Rezoning Approved

The council gave final approval to rezoning property at 601 Lynn Street from RS-2 Residential to RU-2 Rural District, Cemetery.

The change accompanies an effort to consolidate what had previously been 14 lots into one property and create a consistent zoning designation for the cemetery property.

The measure passed and became Ordinance 26-085.

Community Cares Month Recognized

Mayor Jared Carr proclaimed September 2026 as Community Cares Month in Lebanon.

Representatives from the Lebanon Area Foundation and Community Cares accepted the proclamation. Carr recognized the organization’s work and noted the approximately $2.35 million Community Cares has contributed through its efforts.

Flock Cameras and YMCA Discussion Coming Aug. 24

Lebanon Police Chief Jerry Harrison addressed continued public discussion surrounding the city’s Flock camera system and encouraged residents to use the Police Department’s camera and transparency page for information.

Harrison said the city plans to post monthly audits, transparency reports, a link to the Flock transparency portal and frequently asked questions. A proposed ordinance involving the cameras is expected to be discussed during the council’s next work session.

The Aug. 24 work session is also expected to include a presentation from city staff on a possible alternative operating model for the YMCA facility.

Schulte said staff will present a potential city-operated community center concept. The YMCA is expected to return in September to make its own presentation before the council makes future policy decisions regarding the facility.

The next Lebanon City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24.

For corrections: ryan@lebanonmonow.comCopyright © 2026 Lebanon Now. May be used with proper attribution. All other use is prohibited.